First timer

[Susan_22]

Hi chics

So I'm a first time IVF(ICSI) participant.

I'm heading down to Perth on Thursday and have my nurses appointment to pick up the drugs etc on Friday.

So myself and partner were reading and signing all the paperwork last night, when it came around to the 'hazards and risks' form....now the poor love freaks out about what my body will have to go through in the lead up.

So my first (probably of many!) question is....are the side effects from the drugs bad? I want some real life experiences - not just what I'm reading in their paperwork.

I'm so excited and nervous and scared at the same time!

Susan

[Amy_jellybean]

Hi Susan,

Welcome to the IVF band wagon! I hope your stay is short (I mean that in the nicest way of course!)

I think your reaction with the drugs depends on your body. My first round I was fine for the first half because I was on a very low dose of hormones, once they upped my drugs I went a bit coo-koo! Mainly I was just very moody and VERY VERY bloated. Egg pick up wasnt anywhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. The second time round was a lot worse for me, I was on a very high dose of drugs for my age and I turned into a looney! The bloating was really bad (I looked like I was about 5 months pregnant) and I was generally just unwell. This time round I am on a natural frozen embryo transfer so no drugs for me yay!!!

There is a group on here called LTTTC and Assisted Conception - the women in there are amazing (I should know, im one of them hahaha!!!) We all help each other through the up's and the downs, come and join in! Im also from Perth, I go to concept fertility in Subiaco. There are a few other girls in there from Perth as well, we often meet up for chats and coffee. If you have any other questions feel free to ask, or PM if you feel more comfortable.

xxx

[Maruschke]

Hi Susan,

To be honest I found IVF to be really easy physically. The side effects for me were very minimal and stimming didn't feel much different to just using clomid etc. I also found EPU pretty easy, I went to a wedding the next day. I wasn't really in pain, I was just tired. I think I got off easy but more attention seems to be spent on the horror cases rather than the mundane cases. Anyway, that's my story. I'm 23 weeks now with a little girl from that IVF/ICSI stim with one frostie in the freezer. So it can and does work. Have some hope it's not all doom and gloom and by moving to ICSI you are really increasing your odds of success.

xoxo

[Susan_22]

Thanks for sharing your stories. I really appreciate it I think you guys are all amazing.

We didn't have a choice regarding ICSI or any other method as my partner has had a vasectomy and antibodies so I think sperm was minimal! He had a TESA....so the hard work for him is done!

We are going through Hollywood Fertility and were pretty happy with how helpful they've been thus far, considering I'm having to travel from Kalgoorlie each time they really have been great.

[Amy_jellybean]

Good to hear you have a great fertility clinic!!! I've heard great things about Hollywood!

My DH and I are also doing ICSI as DH has a blockage so he had to have an operation to retrieve it

WOW travelling form Kal?! I take my hat off to you!

[LuluHB]

I went through Hollywood Susan and they're fantastic. I saw my regular OB there, so obviously that was great, but the nurses who you will deal with so much more than the doctor are just gorgeous and so supportive.

I didn't do ICSI, but a friend did (at Hollywood), and her side effects were much as Amy described - she got extremely emotional and was so incredibly bloated but fortunately that was it.

Good luck.

[Susan_22]

Thanks guys. Very excited and just praying everything will go to plan! xox